Featured Articles

Cable supports make the difference between being connected or disconnected in longer vertical raceways

When constructing the Empire State Building in 1930, engineers found that
the heavy non-armored electrical cable installed in vertical raceways or risers imposed excessive strain on terminations, panels or other
connected devices.

New Electronic Timers Give Consumers – And Contractors – What They Want

Electronic timer technology has changed the way homeowners interact with
timer-enabled switches. Now consumers have the option of intuitive
controls and settings that can be changed remotely, using smartphone
apps. However, contractors are becoming more involved in the initial
setup of these devices, which is a switch from what some installers may
be used to. Fortunately, the latest generation of timers is making that
process easier, as well, improving the experience for both contractors
and their customers.

Earlier this year at the Light + Building 2018 trade show in Frankfurt,
Germany, Philips Lighting announced a string of new initiatives aimed at
the transition to more LED lamps as well as the inclusion of LEDs into
the “Internet of Things” (IoT) in homes and buildings worldwide.

First
the company announced IoT platform called Interact, designed to handle
data collected from connected light points, sensors, devices and
systems.

Hazardous areas require special attention from specifiers. These are
areas, as defined in the National Electrical Code, where a combustible
atmosphere raises a risk of explosion if sparks or open flames or
present. This risk could be the result of flammable gases, combustible
vapors, combustible dust or easily ignitable fibers.

Conduit is still the most popular choice for many electrical
installations. In industrial applications, conduit gives more choices
for the many and various environments found in industrial setting.

For
example, food and beverage processing facilities will have harsh
environments that can damage conductors easily. Some are caused by the
process itself, while other conductor hazards come from the sanitation
chemicals and processes used to ensure food and beverage safety.

The use of cable trays is fairly widespread in countries outside the US.
However, cable trays are gaining ground here as well. The offset of
installation costs to the often more expensive approve cable is one
reason. The ease with which reconfiguration of machinery and equipment
is another.